Historic preservation winner 'just a steward'

8:50 PM,
Jun. 13, 2012

Hans Heintzeleman stands near a mural preserved in the attic of the building at 107 N. High St. that Heintzeleman has worked to refurbish for nearly 14 years on Wednesday. Heintzeleman was awarded a historic preservation award for his work on Refresh Design Studio 107, a shop contained in one of three sections making up the High Street building.

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If you're willing to climb up a wobbly old 15-foot wooden ladder into a sweaty-hot and dirty attic, then duck walk until the ceiling becomes tall enough for you to stand up, Hans Heintzelman will show you something few people still alive have ever seen.

It's the brick wall of a 19th century builiding formerly occupied by "H.N. Gates, manufacturer of and dealer in Hand Made Harness, Saddles, Bridles and Collars, Blankets and Robes. Whips, Dusters and Fly Nets, Shoe Findings, Etc." at 107 N. High St.

On the brick wall, the words, "H.N. Gates, Hand Made Harness," are painted in large white and ...